And think of some course suitable to thy rank, Allw. You have well advis'd me, But, in the mean time, you, that are so studious Of my affairs, wholly neglect your own. Allw. (L. c.) Yes, 'tis much material: [Crosses to R. You know my fortune, and my means; yet something I can spare from myself to help your wants. Well. (R. C.) How's this? Allm. Nay, be not angry. Well. Money from thee? From a boy? one that lives At the devotion of a stepmother, And the uncertain favour of a lord? [Offers him money. I'll eat my arms first. Howsoe'er blind Fortune Allw. Fare thee well. [Exeunt ALLWORTH, L. WELLBORN, R. SCENE II-A Hall in Lady Allworth's House.— Table, and four Chairs. AMBLE, ORDER, FURNACE, and WATCHALL, discovered, in a line across the Stage. Ord. (c.) Set all things right; or, as my name is And by this staff of office, that commands you, Whoever misses in his function, For one whole week makes forfeiture of his breakfast, And privilege in the wine-cellar. Wat. (L.) You are merry, Good master Steward. B Fur. (L.C.) Let him; I'll be angry. Amb. (R.) Why, fellow Furnace, 'tis not twelve o'clock yet, Nor dinner taken up; then, 'tis allow'd, Cooks, by their places, may be choleric. Fur. You think you've spoken wisely, goodman Amble, My lady's go-before. Ord. Nay, nay, no wrangling. Fur. Twit me with the authority of the kitchen! Amb. There was no hurt meant. [Crosses to FURNACE, and shakes hands. Fur. (L. c.) I'm friends with thee; and yet I will be angry. Wat. (L.) With whom? Fur. (c.) No matter whom: yet, now I think on't, I'm angry with my lady. Amb. (R.) Heaven forbid, man! Ord. What cause has she given thee? I was entertain'd by her to please her palate. Though I crack my brains to find out tempting sauces, And the fourth part parboil'd, to prepare her viands, By such as pretend love to her; but come That's stolen into commission. Ord. Justice Greedy? Fur. The same, the same. Meat's cast away upon him; It never thrives. He holds this paradox; Who eats not well, can ne'er do justice well: His stomach's as insatiate as the grave. Wat. One knocks. [A knocking without, L. [Exit WATCHALL, L. Ord. Our late young master. Enter WATCHALL and ALLWORTH, L. and salutes them alternately. Wat. Welcome, sir. Fur. You're welcome: [ALLW. crosses to FUR. [ALLW. crosses to ORD. If you've a stomach, a cold bake-meat's ready. Ord. His father's picture in little. [Crosses to AMB. This is yet some comfort. Is my lady [Crosses to R. stirring ? [Retire up on R. Enter LADY ALLWORTH, ABIGAIL, and TABITHA, R. Lady A. Sort those silks well. I'll take the air alone : [Exeunt TABITHA and ABIGAIL, R. And, as I gave directions, if this morning I'm visited by any, entertain 'em As heretofore: but say, in my excuse, I'm indispos'd. Ord. We shall, madam. Lady A. (R.) Do, and leave me. [Exeunt WATCHALL, FURNACE, ORDER, and Nay, stay you, Allworth.-Tell me, how is't with Allw. (L. c.) Ever like himself; No scruple lessen'd in the full weight of honour. Your ladyship's fair hands. Lady A. I'm honour'd in His favour to me. Does he hold his purpose Allw. Constantly, good madam; But will, in person, first present his service. Lady A. And how approve you of his course? you're yet, Like virgin parchment, capable of any Inscription, vicious or honourable: I will not force your will, but leave you free Allw. Any form you please I will put on: but-might I make my choice With humble emulation, I would follow Lady A. "Tis well answer'd; And I commend your spirit: your father, Allworth, Allw. I have found you, Most honour'd madam, more than a mother to me; Your bounties shower'd upon me. Lady A. I much hope it. These were your father's words :-If e'er my son They do presume they may with license practice To obey their leaders, and shun mutinies : To dare boldly In a fair cause; and, for their country's sake, Allw. There's no syllable You speak, but is to me an oracle. Lady A. To conclude: Beware ill company; for, often, men Are like to those with whom they do converse; And from one man I warn you, and that's Wellborn : And hath in vicious courses lost himself. To've known him as he is, he had cast him off, Somebody comes. This way: [Noise without, L. Follow me to my chamber: you shall have gold As I hear from you. Allw. I am still bound to you. [Exeunt, R. Enter ORDER, WATCHALL, SIR GILES OVERREACH, MARRALL, GREEDY, FURNACE, and AMBLE, L.MARRALL goes behind to R. Gree. (L.) Not to be seen! Sir G. (c.) Still cloister'd up! Her reason, Ord. (R. c.) Sir, 'tis her will; Which we, that are her servants, ought to serve, For my lady's honour. Gree. (L. C.) Is it of the right race? [SIR G. and MAR. converse apart up Stage. Ord. Yes, Master Greedy. Amb. How his mouth runs o'er ! Fur. [Comes down L.] I'll make it run and run. Save your good worship! Gree. Honest master Cook, thy hand; again: how I love thee! Are the good dishes still in being? speak, boy. Fur. If you've a mind to feed, there is a chine Of beef well season'd. Gree, Good. Fur. A pheasant larded. Gree. That I might now give thanks for't! Fur. Besides, there came last night, from the forest of Sherwood, The fattest stag I ever cook'd. Gree. A stag, man? Fur. A stag, sir; part of it prepar'd for dinner, And bak'd in puff-paste. Gree. Puff-paste too! Sir Giles, A ponderous chine of beef! a pheasant larded! And red deer, too, Sir Giles, and bak'd in puff-paste! All business set aside, let us give thanks here. |